Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

QUIET RIOT

Heavy rock band formed in L.A. '75 by Kevin DuBrow, vocals, with Randy Rhoads, guitar (d in plane crash '82); Kelly Garni, bass; Drew Forsyth, drums. Won reputation as hard-rocking live act on West Coast concert circuit; claimed affinity with Status Quo, whose Rick Parfitt suggested name. Made LPs Quiet Riot and Quiet Riot II '77-8 for Japan-only release; they became collectors items though the band disowned them. Rudy Sarzo replaced Garni; disillusioned Rhoads left to join Ozzy Osbourne '79; Sarzo left to join Angel, rejoined, left again to join Rhoads with Osbourne. DuBrow signed by prod. Spencer Proffer to his Pasha label as group DuBrow, with guitarist Carlos Cavazo and drummer Frankie Banali, changed name back again; commenced recording Metal Health '83 (had changed name back to Quiet Riot late '82; Sarzo rejoined during sessions; roadwork with ZZ Top, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath etc brought album to the brink of charts, incl. hit single "Cum On Feel The Noize' (cover of Slade song was ideal for Noddy Holder soundalike DuBrow); title track "Bang Your Head (Metal Health)' made no. 31 USA early '84. Unlike many HM bands Riot took readily to video, one featuring DuBrow jumping out of skyscraper with a parachute harness. Condition Critical '84 incl. another Slade cover in "Skweeze Me Pleeze Me'. DuBrow and Cavazo were a potent live combination reminiscent of Cheap Trick; on record they lacked originality. Album QRIII '86 had new bassist Chuck Wright; Compilation Wild, Young And Crazee '87 was on Raw Power label. Cvazi and DuBrow were later in Heat.